Forbidden Drugs

Philip Robson

A readable and authoritative account of the medical, legal and social aspects of recreational drug use

Compares and contrasts the different drug policies adapted throughout the world

Brings together the relevant scientific studies, as well as user experiences, to provide an honest account

Features contributions from academics, politicians and the legal profession for a balanced approach

Forbidden Drugs

Third Edition

Philip Robson

Description

Recreational drug use is a world-wide phenomenon. Despite the best efforts of governments, the public fascination with drugs shows no signs of abating. With media accounts of illegal drug use often verging on the hysterical, this book provides a refreshingly balanced and honest account of drug use throughout the world, one based on scientific fact, and not on dogma.

The book examines all the drugs currently used throughout the world, looking at their effects and side-effects. Why do peple use drugs? Why do they become addicted? What are the lessons to be learned from making drugs illegal?

Updated for the third edition with chapters rewritten to take account of scientific, epidemiological and political developments since the second edition,
and with a new section on the present and future US drug policy from high-profile contributors, the book provides a much needed rational approach to the problem of drug use.

Forbidden Drugs

Third Edition

Philip Robson

Table of Contents

Part 1 1. Why use drugs?2. The consequences of drug usePart 2 3. Alcohol4. Tobacco5. Cannabis6. Cocaine, amphetamine, and other stimulants7. Psychedelics and hallucinogens8. The inhalants9. Ecstasy and other 'party drugs'10. Anabolic steroids11. Tranquillizers and sleeping pills12. Heroin and the opioids13. The nature of addiction14. Helping problem drug users15. International drug policy - is it working?

Forbidden Drugs

Third Edition

Philip Robson

Author Information

Dr Philip Robson (MBBS, MRCP, FRCPsych) gained experience in hospital medicine, clinical pharmacology and drug development before training as a psychiatrist. He has worked in drug dependency units in Melbourne and London and developed a regional service for drug users in Oxfordshire. Since 2000 he has worked with GW Pharmaceuticals plc in exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicines.